I bought myself a bike today! I think the weather enticed me too...the beautiful sunny day was practically begging for me to come outside and play. While living at home in easy-going Charleston this summer, riding my bike around town was one of my favorite ways to pass time. So, upon moving to a city of 20 million people, the very thought of operating any moving thing in these busy streets deflated immediately like a nail puncturing a tire.
My bike (with basket and lock) was 300 RMB (roughly 45 USD). It is pink, of course. And I love it. I bought it on Xiangyang lu near Fuxing Zhong lu in the French Concession at a little bike shop I drove by in a taxi once before. The purchase took less than five minutes and before I knew it I was off and away on my shiny new bicycle riding through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession in the golden afternoon sunlight. At first I was extremely nervous because of the crazy driving I have witnessed as a passenger in buses and taxis; but I quickly realized one basic rule/safety lesson:
1. stick with the herd, even if the rest of bicyclists/scooter-ists are not abiding to traffic laws themselves. like a school a fish, just keep on swimming and don't ask questions. better not to hesitate or you may get clobbered by a whale of a bus
I'm sure I will think of more rules down the road....
(p.s. Gervais, I have absolutely no intention of wearing my headphones or listening to any music for that matter while I ride my bike here! Don't worry!)
Anyways, I had the BEST afternoon riding all around town. I returned home feeling all jazzed up and looking forward to my new go-to mode of transport in the city. Biking is truly one of the best ways to get around here. I love how quickly I can get from one area to the next while also having the ability to hop off and check out little things that peak my interest along the way.
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